The patent dispute surrounding Novartis’ anti-diabetic DPP-4 inhibitor ‘Galvus (vildagliptin)’ may be prolonged and not be concluded within this year.

With the substance patent of the said product to expire in March of next year, the benefits of early release will disappear for generic companies if the ruling comes after then. However, generic companies plan to continue the legal dispute to the end in consideration of the impact this case will have on future pharmaceutical patent strategies set by the industry in general.

◆4 years of legal dispute over invalidation of the extended period for a substance patent deepens Supreme Court’s concerns